Publix Super Markets and Special Olympics continue their mission-driven partnership bringing awareness and funding to thousands of Special Olympics athletes in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast
Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) is teaming up with Publix Super Markets for its annual Torch Icon Campaign Jan. 11-22, 2023. The campaign unites Publix associates, customers and local communities to support thousands of Special Olympics athletes in North Carolina and beyond. This year, the campaign is reaching new communities throughout the Southeast U.S. and supporting more Special Olympics athletes, making this the largest campaign to date.
“For over five decades, Special Olympics North Carolina has changed the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competition, critical health programs, leadership development and inclusive programs,” said Keith L. Fishburne, President/CEO of SONC. “All the funds raised through this campaign at North Carolina Publix locations will remain in North Carolina to support our efforts.”
Beginning Jan. 11 and running through Jan. 22, customers who visit their local Publix can help support their state’s athletes with a simple donation. All donors will receive more than $20 in coupon savings, including exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands, like Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette and Pampers. Donations can be made at the register during check out for as little as $1 or a specific desired amount.
Since 1993, more than $65 million has been raised through the Torch Icon Campaign, helping Special Olympics athletes to develop their physical and mental wellness, demonstrate courage and experience the power of sports with their family, friends and their local communities.
Special Olympics North Carolina serves nearly 40,000 athletes who compete at the local, state, national and international levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics North Carolina provides free medical screenings for thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities through its health programs, including much needed access to free prescription glasses and hearing aids.
Those looking to participate in the Torch Icon Campaign and help support Special Olympics North Carolina athletes can visit their local participating Publix this Jan. 11-22. Participants will also have the chance to meet Special Olympics athletes in-store to hear about their inspiring stories.
About Special Olympics North Carolina
Since 1968, the organization has used the transformative power of sports to improve the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Nearly 40,000 athletes in North Carolina inspire thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers year-round training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports on local and state levels as well as health and wellness initiatives to improve the health status and increase access to community health resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Youth become agents of change through Unified Champion Schools, an education and sports-based program created by Special Olympics to build an inclusive environment among youth with and without intellectual disabilities as well as empower them to become youth leaders and create change in their community. Visit Special Olympics North Carolina at www.specialolympicsnc.com. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
